A Northeastern Technical College graduate accepts her diploma from Dr. Ron Bartley, College president. Herbert Watts, NETC Area Commission chairman, waits to shake hands with the College graduate. To view photos of NETC’s 2011 graduation ceremonies, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/NETCPhotos or www.facebook.com/NETCfacebook.

June 3, 2011
NETC Awards 161 Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates to the Class of 2011

State Senator Gerald Malloy dared graduates of Northeastern Technical College to “be great” by taking risks and not fearing failure as they received degrees, diplomas or certificates that will be their pathway to a future.
 
“Think about how many times Abraham Lincoln failed before he became president. Think about how many thousands of times Thomas Edison failed before he invented the light bulb,” Malloy said. “Right now, you all have a great opportunity for success, but do not be afraid to fail.”
 
Malloy was the keynote speaker for the College’s commencement ceremony held May 21 in Cheraw and attended by nearly 900 people. One hundred sixty-one students graduated from a college program at the close of the spring semester 2011.

Malloy, along with faculty, staff and members of NETC’s Area Commission, joined graduates and their families in marking this monumental milestone in the lives of so many.
 
“We’re honored that you chose our college as a place in which you would continue your education, and we, along with all those assembled here today, celebrate your accomplishments,” Dr. Ron Bartley, college president, said. “I urge you to never forget that learning and the pursuit of truth are valuable and everlasting traits.”
 
Bartley also reminded graduates that their successful completion of a program at NETC makes each one of them an alumnus of the College.
 
“Don’t think of your graduation as leaving us. What you’ll actually be doing is taking a part of us with you,” he said. “On this day, you’re an alumnus of Northeastern Technical College, and I officially designate you as a new member of our Alumni Association.”
 
Area Commission Chairman Herbert Watts introduced Malloy as the guest speaker, listing his many accomplishments as both a lawyer and member of the South Carolina Senate.
 
Malloy, a Chesterfield County native, talked about his modest upbringing and wanting something more from life than a job in a cotton mill. He talked about overcoming other people’s doubt in his abilities to achieve more, as well as his own self-doubt.
 
“We are here today because each one of you graduates stood tall and said, ‘Yes I can’ and went forward,” Malloy said. “Some of you did it many years after you got out of high school. You have decided it’s not where you come from, but where you are going.”
 
Malloy emphasized the importance of education in today’s global economy, stating in the next several years 80 percent of the workforce will have to have a two-year degree.
 
“Education is a precondition to success,” Malloy said.
Malloy also encouraged the graduates to be contributing members to their communities.
 
“Contribute to your area, get in the game, coach little league baseball, work at the rescue squad, run for public office, and by all means, work and preserve this school. Join the Alumni Association and show your support for education,” Malloy said. “You have a mission in serving.”
 
While not a graduate of NETC, Malloy has personal ties to the college. His grandfather, Nathaniel Mumford, helped build the college and served in the maintenance department from 1969 to 1979.

Malloy offered some final words before the students made the ceremonial walk across stage to become official college graduates.
 
“If you take only one thing from here today, remember always that there is more to learn. Learning is a lifelong adventure,” he said. “Do not become complacent and ambivalent in your growth and maturity as a human being.”
 
Malloy quoted world championship boxer and long-time humanitarian Muhammad Ali by saying, “‘Who dares to be great.’ When the championship rounds come, go ahead and give your all.”
 
Those daring to be great by pursing their pathway to a future through education or by upgrading their work skills should take note of the July 27 application deadline for the fall semester. Applications are available and will be accepted at any of the college campuses in Pageland, Cheraw, Bennettsville or Dillon. For more information, call 1-800-921-7399 and choose option 1 for admissions.
 
To download an application form, click HERE.